A man who is deaf and communicates through ASL had a number of interactions with a police detachment. He was not provided with interpretation services.

The Centre negotiated an agreement with the police service which included:

  • Implementation of Video Remote Interpreting Service (VRI) Technology;
  • Training for staff on the accommodation of individuals who are deaf and anti-audism*. The police service will work with the Canadian Hearing Society to provide the training;
  • Implementation of a new standard operating procedure to address the accommodation of deaf individuals;
  • Updating of “shift briefing materials” relating to working with members of the deaf and hard of hearing community.

*Understanding the unique barriers faced by deaf or hard of hearing people is essential in creating an inclusive environment. For more information, see the Canadian Hearing Society’s web site at: Discrimination and Audism.